Cyprien looked up and down the corridor, and listened at the doors of the next rooms, to ascertain that they were empty.
The Marquis, in the meantime, had thrown his hat and cloak on the bed.
"We are alone?" he asked impatiently.
"Yes, sir."
"Speak, then. Your letter told me that you have found traces of that miserable Labarre."
"Yes, sir, and I trust you will be satisfied with what I have done."
"Did you see the man?"
"No, sir. Your instructions were to avoid all contact with him. I know, however, where to lay my hands on him."
"You have done well. I wish my presence here to be like a thunderclap to him. And then I expect that in his terror he will make the avowal which will be my salvation."